Got a cracked windshield and wondering if Safelite will actually come to you? The short answer is yes — they’ll show up at your driveway, office parking lot, or wherever your car happens to be parked. Safelite’s mobile service covers all 50 states and reaches about 96% of U.S. drivers, so odds are good you won’t need to rearrange your day around a shop visit.
Before you start picturing a zero-effort repair from the couch, there are a few things worth knowing — like when mobile service costs extra and when weather can throw a wrench in your plans. If price is a factor (and when isn’t it?), it’s smart to check current Safelite deals on Groupon first. Even small discounts help when car repairs weren’t exactly on your to-do list.
What Safelite Can Fix at Your Location
Safelite’s mobile technicians can handle most common glass jobs, including:
- Windshield repairs for chips and small cracks
- Full windshield replacements
- Side window replacements
- Rear window (back glass) replacements
If it’s auto glass and not a sunroof, there’s a good chance it can be done right where your car is parked.
What Works Mobile and What Doesn’t
| Service | Damage Size | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Single chip repair | Smaller than a dollar bill | 30–45 minutes |
| Multiple chip repair | Up to 3 small chips | Up to 90 minutes |
| Crack repair | Under 6 inches | 30–60 minutes |
| Windshield replacement | Any size damage | 60 minutes + 1-hour wait |
One important heads-up: after a windshield replacement, you’ll need to wait at least an hour before driving. The adhesive needs time to cure — no shortcuts here.
Does Mobile Service Cost More?
Sometimes, yes. Mobile service may include an added convenience fee on top of your repair or replacement cost. You’re essentially paying for the shop to come to you.
The base price for the glass work itself is the same whether you go mobile or visit a location. For a deeper breakdown of what affects pricing, this guide to Safelite costs lays it all out.
How Insurance Handles Mobile Appointments
If your insurance covers windshield repair or replacement, that coverage usually applies to mobile service too. The convenience fee may or may not be covered, depending on your policy.
If insurance is part of your plan, it’s worth reviewing how Safelite works with insurance before booking.
What to Expect on Appointment Day
Safelite gives you a defined time window and typically calls the morning of your appointment. It’s not an all-day guessing game, but mobile schedules are tight — being ready when they arrive helps avoid delays.
When Weather Gets in the Way
Mobile service depends heavily on conditions. Rain, snow, strong wind, or extreme cold can all force a reschedule. Installing glass outdoors requires clean, dry surfaces and the right temperatures for adhesives to set properly.
When You’ll Need to Visit a Shop Instead
Mobile service is convenient, but it’s not always the best option. A shop visit may be required if:
- Your car needs complex ADAS recalibration: Some advanced safety systems require specialized equipment only available in-shop.
- Weather conditions aren’t cooperative: Extreme cold or storms can make outdoor installation unsafe or unreliable.
How to Prep for a Mobile Appointment
- Clear personal items from your car
- Park in a level, accessible spot
- Check the weather forecast
- Plan for at least an hour of wait time after replacement
- Have insurance info ready, if applicable
Quick Answers About Safelite Mobile Service
How long does mobile windshield replacement take?
Most replacements take about 60 minutes, plus a required one-hour wait before driving.
What happens if it rains?
Rain can delay or cancel mobile appointments. Safelite will reschedule for better conditions.
Is mobile service more expensive?
It can include a convenience fee, but the glass repair or replacement price stays the same.
Can Safelite recalibrate safety systems at home?
Some recalibrations can be done mobile, but complex static recalibration usually requires a shop visit.
Is Mobile Safelite Worth It?
If convenience is your top priority and conditions cooperate, mobile service is a solid option. You’ll get the same warranty coverage as an in-shop visit — it really comes down to schedule and cost.
Before booking, it’s worth taking a quick look at Groupon’s latest Safelite discounts. Saving a little on repairs makes the whole situation easier to stomach.
